Thanawat Gaweenuntawong v Rene Eidams

Kicking off the second session of the evening is Thailand’s twice World Cup of Darts participant Gaweenuntawong (evens) and Germany’s Eidams (8/11 odds-on favourite), both competing in their first PDC World Championship.

With 48-year-old Gaweenuntawong having played on the big stage before, his odds represent better value, but back the Bangkok-born thrower at an even more enticing 11/4 price to win 2-1. The victor, however, faces the daunting task of taking on in-form world number one Van Gerwen next in the last 64.

First round

Brendan Dolan v Kyle Anderson

In what has the potential to be a first round cracker, Aussie Anderson is the surprise odds-on 8/13 favourite to topple experienced Northern Irishman Dolan (13/10).

The Original, though, has managed the rare feat of achieving a nine-darter at this competition back in 2013 against Ian White at this stage, despite going on to lose. Dolan too has managed a perfect leg in a major, the 2011 World Grand Prix, so take odds of 33/1 to see another in this tie.

Like with the preliminary match, this clash could go all the way, so back The History Maker Dolan at 4/1 to come through 3-2 in sets.

Kim Huybrechts v David Pallett

On paper, 2012 quarter-finalist Huybrechts should easily dispose of youngster Pallett, as his odds-on price of 3/10 suggests, but has lost to the Englishman (5/2) twice in their five meetings including most recently in September.

The Hurricane will have enough quality on the night and the bigger stage to get revenge, however, and is 9/4 to triumph 3-1.

Belgian Huybrechts is also a tempting 8/1 shout to win his quarter once more, at the expense of the likes of Adrian Lewis, Peter Wright and Dave Chisnall.

Michael van Gerwen v Gaweenuntawong/Eidams

World number one Van Gerwen is at the slight advantage in that he won’t yet know who to prepare his first match against. But that will almost certainly not matter for the heavy 11/10 tournament favourite.

Green Machine Mighty Mike is perhaps in the best form of his career, after claiming the World Matchplay, Grand Slam, European Championship, Players Championship Finals, The Masters and World Series Finals trophies already this year.

So, the Dutchman will be fired up and fresh after a brief break to claim his second World Championship title, and snatch it back off Gary Anderson.

Related

Check out more from our darts archive, where you’ll find much more on the 2016 PDC World Darts Championship.